There's no discomfort like the discomfort caused by a toothache. This unpleasant sensation is easily aggravated each time you speak and eat and is something that warrants an urgent appointment with your dentist. But what about toothaches in the other members of your family who are unable to arrange their own dental treatment? If your beloved dog was experiencing a toothache, how would you even know?

Eating

One of the clearest signs that your dog is experiencing dental distress is when they have trouble eating. It's not technically a loss of appetite and your dog is still hungry, but the physical pressure of biting and chewing triggers intensifies their toothache. Your dog will be reluctant to eat, and while their hunger will often compel them to try, their discomfort will be evident, especially when consuming kibble or other hard foods.

Breath

Your dog's breath is another indication of trouble. It's a stretch to suggest that a dog's breath is ever going to be pleasant, but a rotten, rancid smell can point to a serious dental problem. As a tooth begins to rot, it can create a corresponding aroma. As strange as it might sound, encourage your dog to pant into your face to get an idea of what their breath smells like. Do this before your dog eats so that the scent is not tainted by their meal. 

Drool

Your dog might also begin to produce an excessive amount of drool. With some dogs, it might be difficult to tell the difference, but an abundance of saliva can indicate that something is amiss, such as the formation of a dental abscess. This drool can also contain small amounts of blood, which can be difficult to gauge. Take a clean paper towel and dab at your dog's drool. Upon close examination of the paper towel, the presence of blood can often be noted. 

Touch

The most obvious sign can be easy to spot. Your dog might actually flinch from your touch if you should happen to touch their face in a manner that can aggravate their dental problem. This behavior will presumably be out of the ordinary, so when your dog shies away from your affection, as though your touch is causing physical pain, then this can indicate a problematic toothache. 

Treatment

Dog dentistry is one of the vet services you might not have utilized, but your dog's toothache isn't going to rectify itself. Make an appointment with your vet for a professional assessment of your dog's dental trouble. In many cases, a vet will simply opt to extract a damaged tooth. This is done under sedation, though your dog might also need antibiotics to counter the effects of their periodontal disease. The recovery time is minimal, and your vet might recommend some dietary changes to accommodate your dog's reduced dental capacity.

Toothache in dogs isn't something that's immediately obvious, but given the discomfort it can cause, it requires treatment as soon as the problem is confirmed.

For more information, contact a veterinary service in your area.

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